Natalichthys sam Winterbottom, 1980
Nail snakelet
photo by SFSA

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Congrogadinae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range - 44 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: presently known only from off Port Shepstone, Natal, South Africa (30°47.10'S, 30°29.10'E).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 42-42; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 32-32. Gill membranes fused but free from isthmus. Cheeks without scales. Lateral line short.
Biology:  Known only from 2 type specimens collected at a depth of 44 m from a stony bottom (Ref. 531). Minimum depth from Ref. 58018.
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 20 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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